Pope's historic meeting with Huntington's patients offered ray of hope

[No Vested Interest]

1. A family I know is afflicted with Huntington's Disease. It is devastating.

Those afflicted often don't know until about the age of 40, when they have already established families, thus bringing the disease to another generation.

Once families realize that the Huntington's gene is present, individuals must decide whether or not to be tested for it, knowing there is no cure, if they are found to carry the gene.

Aside from the obvious physical debilities, the disease can adversely affect the person's impulse control, so that they may act out in ways they might not have before.